Oscar Parties

The glitz! The fashion! The rain! Seattle may be a long way from Hollywood, but that doesn't mean we don't know to celebrate the mother of all award shows. There's plenty happening around town to satisfy film buff and posh socialite alikesome for worthy causes. Reel Grrls, helping young women thrive in the film industry, will host its Oscar party at Central Cinema, complete with red-carpet entry, movie trivia, and short films from some of the young female filmmakers. Other options? Fledgling screenwriters might find The Film School's soirée more appealing (if they can afford it). Determined to train new writers properly, the school's $150 event, held at Pravda Studios, includes dinner, as well as live and silent auctions. Claiming Seattle's "most fabulous Academy Awards party," Gay City Health Project and Three Dollar Bill Cinema invite you to the beautiful SoDo Park for big-screen viewing, hors d' oeuvres, a free drink and door prizes. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $35 for VIPs, which includes a champagne-and-wine reception and an Oscar gift bag. The Triple Door will hold the official Academy-sanctioned gala. Meet local celebs, pose with look-alikes and bid on items during the charity auction. Tickets are $150, and proceeds benefit Starlight Children's Foundation Washington. For something more low-key, have some food and drink at Spitfire (no cover), which will transmit the festivities on its many big-screen TVs. NEIL ESTEP